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Though the groom is not supposed to see his bride the night before a wedding, there was nothing to stop Prince William from surprising the hundreds of people lined up outside his residence with an upbeat, impromptu visit.

The 28-year-old prince did just that Thursday night, stepping outside Clarence House in the company of his brother, Prince Harry, to have a chat with those lined up to watch him when he sets off to marry Kate Middleton.

Clad in a sweater and khakis and clearly in high spirits, William shook dozens of hands, waved to those who weren't right up front, and bantered with as many people as he could, telling one person he hoped to "get the lines right" on Friday.

Myriad hands held smartphones aloft to capture pictures and video. Harry, meanwhile, joked that he was going to sleep outside tonight with all the folks in their tents, People reported.

Screams went up as the princes headed back inside. Justin Bieber would be proud.